Thomas Byrd enlisted September 22, 1862 at Camp Fort. He was in Co. A and later transferred to Co. C of the 24th Battalion. In early 1864 he was transferred to Co. D, 7th Georgia Cavalry

Pvt. Byrd was promoted through the ranks from Private to Corporal on September 1, 1864. He was present at all roll calls through October. He lost his horse during the Battle of Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864.